Denbies Wine Estate - Dorking, Surrey

Denbies Wine Estate, in the glorious Surrey hills, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! The 265 acre vineyard was planted in 1986 and is now a major English wine producer; it's owned by Adrian White a water scientist, entrepreneur and inventor. His son, Christopher is currently in charge of Denbies and its wine. Click here

Adrian White bought the Denbies estate in 1980 when the hilly land was being used to farm cattle and pigs. A neighbour, Professor Richard Selling who was a Professor of Geology at Imperial College, London suggested a radical change; he realised that the bowl shape of the land was the same as the Champagne country of France. Assured that the soil and weather on the south-facing slopes could sustain the production of wine Adrian decided to have a go - the rest is history!

To fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the estate I would recommend you take the Vineyard Outdoor Train Tour followed by the Indoor Tour which includes a 20 minute Cinema Experience, a walk through the Working Winery and finally a visit to the Cellar for a Wine Tasting Session!

All aboard! Just about to start the tour.

'The Brokes' - Reichensteiner planted in 1988.

'Hill Side' - Chardonnay planted in 1991.

Quinta do Lago beach - Treasure from the sea!

I love foraging and these were just a few little treasures I found on a beautiful stretch of beach at Quinta do Lago (click here). The shells include Scallops, Mussels, Clams and remnants of an earthenware pot called an Alcatruz.

An Alcatruz is a vessel used to capture octupus; the pots (as many as 72) are attached to a main line (linha madre) and anchored to the bottom of the sea, parallel to the shoreline. The pots may be baited with cockles or mussels.

Ria Formosa - Cactos Figo (Opuntia ficus-indica)

The Cactos Figo plant known as the prickly pear, scientific name Opuntia ficus-indica belongs to the Cactaceae family. The plant is rich in sugar and has a considerable amount of potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamins A, B1, B2 and C. The little pear can be presented in various colours: green, purple, red, white or yellow. Red is often used as a natural dye. The fruit is ready to harvest during the month of August and can be enjoyed in a simple salad or made into a delicious preserve!

Cactos Figo photographed by me during a walk in the Ria Formosa.

Ria Formosa Nature Reserve - Fish Tank/ Faro Fish Market

I photographed this tank (although so natural it doesn't look anything like a tank) created, in a marshy area, to permit the development of certain fish species. These include Gilt Head, Bass, Sole, Sea Bream and Eel. Among other functions, salt marshes have the capacity to remove some pollutants from water and act, to a certain extent, as a water purifier! If you look very closely you'll see the outline of several fish swimming close to the water's edge.

Staying on the fish theme, I just wanted to share with you a photograph I took of a fish counter in Apolonia, a shop located in Almancil, Portugal. The fish were sourced from a market in Faro and include, Sea Bass, Striped fish, Sea Bream, Hake, Blake John Dory, Zebra Sea Bream, Eel, Sole and Horse Mackerel. The fruits of the sea!

Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, Algarve, Portugal

What a real treat to experience the beautiful flora and fauna of the Ria Formosa during my trip to Quinta do Lago, Portugal. It is a protected area carrying the status of 'Natural Park' and was established by Decree Law in 1987. Click here

Quinta do Lago is located in the heart of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve; it's a lagoon separated from the sea by a coastal dune system, which is broken up by various natural and artificial inlets. It includes a narrow strip of land and a series of coastal dunes running almost parallel to the mainland, formed by peninsulas and sandy barrier-islands which serve to protect the salt marshes, channel and islets.

Please enjoy these photographs taken during my trip!

Surrey Hills Cookery School, Tyrrells Wood, Surrey

Today I attended a cookery class called 'Fab Food for Friends' at the Surrey Hills Cookery School in Tyrrells Wood, Surrey run by Susie and Sara.

Sara is a Home Economist and Susie a Cordon Bleu cook and together in their warm and friendly kitchen you will learn that cooking is all about confidence.

Why not treat yourself or a loved one to a wonderful day full of food and laughter! Click here

Surrey Hills Cookery School, Tyrrells Wood, Surrey - Mango, Malibu & Orange Semifreedo

Surrey Hills Cookery School, Tyrrells Wood, Surrey - Asparagus, Sundried Tomato & Olive Loaf

Surrey Hills Cookery School, Tyrrells Wood, Surrey - Beef, Rosemary & Fennel Seed Parcel

 

Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex - Home Farm Organic Milk

This photograph was taken, on Sunday, whilst enjoying a delicious breakfast at The Goodwood Hotel, West Sussex. Click here 

This milk is produced at Goodwood's Home Farm, which is located in the heart of the 12,000 acre Sussex estate, from mostly Dairy Shorthorns, a breed which originated in the 16th century, the best milking cow of its time. The milk, which is non-homogenised, tastes just like milk used to as it retains all of its good fat particles. Goodwood Home Farm is one of the largest lowland organic farms in the UK. Click here

Asparagus from Durleighmarsh Farm, Hampshire

British Asparagus from Durleighmarsh Farm, Hampshire

Did you know that British asparagus is packed full of goodness - it's a delicious vegetable but a healthy one too!

• Eating asparagus promotes healthy bacteria in the large intestine and can help reduce bloating

• Asparagus contains vitamin K, essential for healthy blood clotting

• It is a rich source of vitamin C, which boots your immune system

• Asparagus is a mild diuretic and is believed to help detoxify the body

This picture was taken during a very recent trip to Durleighmarsh Farm, Petersfield, Hampshire. I would strongly recommend a visit, but if you want asparagus hurry as it sells out very quickly! Click here

Nature's Autumn Gifts